Screengrab from AFP

The Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) has praised the Philippine Navy for their courageous conduct during a recent mission in the West Philippine Sea, despite aggressive actions by China's seagoing elements.

In a statement released , AGFO commended the Philippine Navy officers and men for their heroic and professional behavior during the rotation and re-provisioning mission on June 17, 2024. The mission involved delivering replacement personnel and essential supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) stationed at Ayungin Shoal, Palawan.

Reports indicate that the mission faced severe challenges when China Coast Guard (CCG) and China Maritime Militia (CMM) elements aggressively intervened around 4 in the morning, approximately two miles east of the shoal.

The CCG and CMM personnel aboard eight vessels, including steel-hulled ships and inflatable boats, attacked the Philippine Navy's supply and rubber boats with water cannons and ramming tactics.

Despite sustaining damage and an incident where a Philippine Navy sailor was injured while defending against an attempted robbery of vital equipment, AGFO highlighted the Navy's unwavering commitment and patience in completing their mission under intense harassment and threat.

AGFO condemned the actions of the CCG and CMM personnel, labeling them as violations of international protocols, piratical, and escalatory. The association emphasized the importance of upholding sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and expressed full support for the Philippine government's stance in protecting frontline troops.